For now, incumbent starter and fourth-year pro Tom Savage and Watson are making the most of their preseason prep.

"At the end of the day, both of us, we want to win,” Savage said, via the Houston Chronicle. “So, we let the coaches handle the rest and we'll go out there and focus on what we can control.”

“The quarterback room is healthy, it's fun, it's good,” Watson told reporters Wednesday. “We have a great time in there. We come in there, we learn, we compete and we all support each other. We want the best every time no matter who is on the field.

“We want them to be successful. Score touchdowns, make good decisions and protect the ball. That's what we've been supporting each other for.”

Savage, who played college ball for Pittsburgh and Rutgers, started two games last season, completing 63 percent of his passes for 461 yards with no scores or interceptions.

Watson said his “head was swimming” when he first arrived in Houston, but he’s made “very, very good” progress since the start of preseason camp.

“Whenever I step on the field today, I can go out there and control the offense and do what (coach Bill O’Brien) asks me to do and make good decisions fast. I'm just trying to improve in all areas and continue to do that,”
Watson said. “Right now I'm being patient and taking it one day at a time. Learning as much as I can.”

“He (Hopkins) would know better than anybody at that point when he made that statement,” Swinney said on the Rich Eisen Show. “Everybody in football knows you have to earn it every day. That’s what I love about Deshaun. He’s a very humble young man and he’ll take advantage of his opportunity as it comes.

“He’ll be ready whenever that time is … This is a guy who I really believe is going to prove to be one of the greats. I can’t wait to watch it all unfold. He’ll be a great backup and ready when they need him.”